Office system

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/478,052, filed Jun. 12, 2003, entitled O<smallcaps>FFICE </smallcaps>S<smallcaps>YSTEM</smallcaps>, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an office partition furniture system, and in particular to a free-standing, partition-type furniture system telescopingly expandable in both the lateral and vertical directions, so to easily subdivide an open space within a room, and to adjust to architectural conditions and limitations.

The efficient use of building floor space is an ever growing concern, particularly as building costs continue to escalate. Open office plans have been developed to reduce overall officing costs, and generally incorporate large, open floor spaces in buildings that are equipped with modular furniture systems which are readily reconfigurable to accommodate the ever changing needs of a specific user, as well as the divergent requirement of different tenants. One arrangement commonly used for furnishing open plans includes movable or portable partition panels that are detachably interconnected to partition off the open spaces into individual workstations and/or offices. Such partition panels are configured to receive hang-on furniture units, such as worksurfaces, overhead cabinets, shelves, etc., and are generally known in the office furniture industry as “systems furniture.”

Numerous partition panel systems have been developed for dividing office workspaces into smaller areas. Some of these partition panel systems utilize prefabricated rectangular partition panel members that have a unitary rigid perimeter frame with decorative cover panels fastened opposite sides thereof. Each perimeter frame member has a rectangular shape, and is fabricated and shipped as a single unit, often with the decorative cover panels pre-fastened to the frame. During installation, the prefabricated perimeter frame of each panel member is fastened to the perimeter frame of an adjacent panel member along the vertical edges thereof, either directly, or by a separate fastener post. Each partition panel member includes two height adjustable feet or glides along the bottom edge of each panel member, with one glide being located adjacent each vertical panel edge. Since there are two vertical frame members at each panel joint, this type of panel construction results in structural redundancy. In addition, since each glide must be properly adjusted for height, this configuration requires adjustment of both glides at each panel joint during assembly. Furthermore, although longer panels typically have a lower cost per unit length, longer panels are difficult to handle, which places a practical limit on the size of the partition panel member that can be shipped and installed as a prefabricated unit.

Other partition panel systems utilize prefabricated rectangular partition panel members having a unitary perimeter frame that attaches to a post member along each vertical panel edge. Although this type of design may have a single glide at each post, each panel-to-post connection has at least two vertical structural members. Since only a single vertical member is needed to provide support and height adjustment, this type of system has redundant structure. In addition, the rectangular partition panel members are manufactured and shipped as a unit, limiting the size of the partition panel members that can be used.

A furniture system is desired that can be easily and quickly assembled, may be easily rearranged and reconfigured to satisfy the needs of a changing business environment in a particular setting, provides a low-cost alternative to complicated partition panel systems, and allows for reduced, as well as simplified ordering, assembling, managing furniture assets and shipping costs while simultaneously providing adequate room-dividing properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a furniture system that includes a base member, a pedestal extending upwardly from and supported by the base member, and a worksurface supported by the pedestal. The furniture system also includes a partition member extending upwardly from and supported by the base member and including a vertically-shiftable screen member extendable from an upper edge of the partition member, wherein the partition member is spaced apart from the pedestal.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a furniture system that includes a worksurface, a partition panel supporting the worksurface, and a screen member vertically shiftably supported by the partition member such that the screen member is extendable from an upper surface of the partition panel.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a free-standing, partition type furniture system that includes at least one partition panel configured to subdivide a space within a room, and a screen member operably coupled to the partition panel and laterally shiftable with respect to the partition panel, the screen member including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the screen member includes and accessory unit.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a free-standing partition-type furniture system adapted to subdivide a floor space of a room that includes a plurality of first partition panels each including a first body portion having a pair of side edges, and a first screen member operably coupled to the first partition panel and laterally shiftable with respect to the first partition panel such that the first screen member extends from one of the side edges of the first body portion. The furniture system also includes a plurality of second partition panels each including a second body portion having an upper edge, and a second screen member operably coupled to the second partition panel and vertically shiftable with respect to the second partition panel such the second screen member extends from the upper edge of the second body portion. The plurality of first and second partition panels are operably coupleable and arrangeable so as to subdivide an open space of a room

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a furniture system that includes a cabinet member having a pair of side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall and a rear wall that cooperate to form a box-like structure having an open front, a worksurface supported within the cabinet member, and a screen member laterally shiftably supported within the rear wall such that the screen member is extendable from one of the side walls of the cabinet structure.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a plurality of work areas within an open space of a room, each work area including at least one first partition panel, and at least one desk assembly. Each first partition panel includes a first body portion having a pair of side edges, and a first screen member operably coupled to the first body portion and laterally shiftable with respect to the first body portion such that the first screen member extends from one of the side edges of the first body portion. Each desk assembly including a first worksurface, and a second worksurface overlapping the first worksurface and laterally shiftable with respect to the first worksurface. The at least one partition panel in the at least one desk assembly cooperate and are reconfigurable so as to subdivide a given open space of a room.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a furniture system that comprises a partition panel, a first worksurface supported from the partition panel, and a second worksurface at least partially underlying the first worksurface and laterally shiftable with respect to the first worksurface. The furniture system further comprises a support member extending between the first worksurface and the second worksurface, thereby supporting the first worksurface from the second worksurface.

Still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a plurality of work areas within an open space of a room, each work area including two first partition panels each including a first body portion having a pair of side edges, a first screen member operably coupled to the first body portion and laterally shiftable with respect to the first body portion such that the first screen member extends from one of the side edges of the first body portion. The at least two first partition panels cooperate and are reconfigurable so as to subdivide a given open space of a room.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a freestanding partition panel assembly that comprises a body portion having a pair of side edges, and a screen member operably coupled to the body portion and laterally shiftable with respect to the body portion such that the screen member extends from one of the side edges of the body portion. The screen member comprises a top frame member having at least one upper guide channel, a bottom frame member having at least one lower guide channel, and at least one divider that is slidably received within the upper guide channel and the lower guide channel and is selectively horizontally repositionable therein.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a furniture system that comprises a worksurface, and a partition panel at least partially supporting the worksurface, wherein the partition panel includes a top frame member having at least one upper guide channel and a bottom frame member having at least one lower guide channel. The furniture system also comprises at least one divider shiftably received within the at least one upper guide channel and the at least one lower guide channel of the partition member and selectively horizontally repositionable therein.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly for freestanding partition-type office system of the type including a plurality of panel members, each panel member having at least one frame member, wherein the at least one frame member has a pair of inwardly-extending channels. The connector assembly comprises a pair of engagement members, wherein each engagement member includes a pair of legs, an inner wall located at and connected to a proximal end of the legs, a web portion located along a length and connected to the legs, and a pair of tab portions located at a distal end of the legs, wherein the inner wall of at least one of the engagement members includes an aperture extending therethrough. The connector assembly also includes an actuator operably received the aperture of the inner wall of the one of the engagement members such that selective actuation of the actuator member forces the inner walls of the pair of engagement members away from one another, and the tab portions to frictionally engage a pair of channels of a frame member, thereby coupling a pair of panel members together.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a freestanding partition-type system adapted to subdivide an open space of a room, the system comprising a first panel member having a first frame member extending along an edge thereof, wherein the first frame member includes a pair of channels extending along a length thereof, and a second panel member having a second frame member extending along an edge thereof, wherein the second frame member includes a pair of channels extending along a length thereof. The system also comprises a pair of engagement members, wherein each engagement member includes a pair of legs, an inner wall located at and connected to a proximal end of the legs, a web portion located along a length of and connected to the legs, and a pair of tab portions located at a distal end of the legs, wherein the inner wall of at least one of the engagement members includes an aperture extending therethrough. The system further comprises an actuator operably received within the aperture of the inner wall of one of the engagement members such that selective actuation of the actuator member forces the inner walls of the pair of engagement members away from one another, and the tab portions of each engagement member to frictionally engage one of the channels of the frame member of each of the panel members, thereby coupling the first and second panel members together.

The present inventive furniture systems provide an uncomplicated design, can be easily and quickly arranged to subdivide an open space of a room, and are therefore efficient in use, provide a low-cost alternative to furniture systems that include an arrangement of complicated and difficult to assemble partition panels, and are particularly well adapted for the proposed use.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a top view of a plurality of furniture systems embodying the present invention, and cooperating to subdivide an open space of a room;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a top perspective view of the plurality of furniture systems subdividing the space within the room;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view of a first furniture system, wherein a first partition member is shown including a laterally shiftable screen member shown in a retracted position in solid line, and an extended position in dotted line, a worksurface shown in a first position in solid and a second position in dashed line, and a vertically shiftable screen member shown in a retracted position in solid line, and an extended position in dashed line;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view of the laterally-shiftable screen member including a plurality of accessory units;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an end view of the partition assembly and the first screen member;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> is a cross-sectional perspective view of a top frame member of the laterally shiftable screen, taken along line VI-VI, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> is a cross-sectional perspective view of the top member of the screen;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> is a perspective view of a plurality of alternative furniture systems including a first furniture system, wherein a first partition member is shown including a laterally shiftable screen member shown in a retracted position in solid line, and an extended position in dotted line;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> is a top plan view of the plurality of alternative furniture systems of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a cross-sectional view of a sill assembly, taken along the line VIII-VIII, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is an exploded perspective view of an end of a shelf assembly of the sill assembly;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an enlarged perspective view of a first worksurface supported by a hanger assembly, taken of area X-X, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is an enlarged perspective view of a first leg assembly supporting the first worksurface, taken of area XI-XI, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is an enlarged perspective view of a second leg assembly supporting the first worksurface above a second worksurface, taken of area XII-XII, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a second furniture system, showing the laterally-shiftable screen member in a retracted position in solid line, and an extended position in dashed line;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a perspective view of a third furniture system incorporating a height adjustable table therein;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is an enlarged perspective view of an overhead storage bin, taken of area XV-XV, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a cross-sectional perspective view of a coupling or connector assembly, taken along line XVI-XVI, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a cross-sectional perspective view of the coupling or connector assembly;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a perspective view of an adjustable power assembly within the furniture systems;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a perspective view of the adjustable power assembly;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a cross-sectional view of a pocket screen within a partition wall, taken along the line XX-XX, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the pocket screen within the partition panel, taken near the line XXI-XXI, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>; and

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view of the pocket screen within the partition panel, taken near the line XXII-XXII, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The reference numeral <b>10</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>) generally designates a plurality of furniture systems embodying the present invention, and cooperating to subdivide an open floor space <b>12</b> of a room. In the illustrated example, a first furniture system <b>14</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) includes a partition assembly <b>16</b>, and a first screen member <b>18</b> laterally shiftable with respect to the partition assembly <b>16</b>. The screen member <b>18</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) includes an outer frame <b>19</b> and a supported skin <b>21</b>. The frame <b>19</b> is preferably constructed of an extruded aluminum, while the skin <b>21</b> is preferably constructed of a woven polypropylene, wherein the weave of the PVC may be provided loosely to allow for the passage of light, or tightly, thereby providing an improved backdrop for purposes such as a projector screen <b>18</b> includes a first side <b>20</b> and second side <b>22</b> opposite the first side <b>20</b>. The first side <b>20</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) includes a plurality of accessory units <b>24</b>, as discussed below. In use, the screen member <b>18</b> is laterally shifted from within the partition assembly <b>16</b>, such that the first side <b>20</b> of the screen member <b>18</b> is accessible, thereby allowing access to the accessory units <b>24</b> located on the first side <b>20</b> of the screen member <b>18</b>. It should be noted that the partition assembly <b>16</b> is preferably configured such that at least some portion of the first side <b>20</b> of the screen member <b>18</b> is always accessible.

The partition assembly <b>16</b> includes a first panel member <b>26</b> and a second panel member <b>28</b> operably coupled so as to form a substantially orthogonal angle. The first panel member <b>26</b> includes an upper edge <b>30</b>, a lower edge <b>32</b>, and a side edge <b>34</b>. The first and second panel members <b>26</b>, <b>28</b> are supported above a floor surface <b>35</b> by a plurality of legs <b>36</b>, however, it should be noted that the lower edge <b>32</b> of the first panel member <b>26</b> may be directly supported by the floor surface <b>35</b>. The first panel member <b>26</b> and the second panel member <b>28</b> are provided with a plurality of apertures and/or mechanical fasteners (not shown) so as to support devices such as an overhead storage unit <b>38</b>, a marker board <b>40</b>, and the like therefrom. The upper edge <b>30</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) of the first panel member <b>26</b> includes an upper channel <b>42</b>, while the lower edge <b>32</b> includes a lower channel <b>34</b>, wherein the upper and lower channels <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> are configured to telescopingly receive the screen member <b>18</b> therebetween.

The screen member <b>18</b> includes the first side <b>20</b>, the second side <b>22</b>, an upper edge <b>46</b>, a lower edge <b>48</b>, and a distal side edge <b>50</b>. The screen member <b>18</b> further includes a top frame member <b>45</b>, a bottom frame member <b>47</b>, a side frame member <b>49</b>, and corner members <b>31</b> extending between and connecting the top and bottom frame members <b>45</b>, <b>47</b> with the side frame member <b>49</b>. The top and bottom frame members <b>45</b>, <b>47</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>) are preferably extruded and include a pair of T-shaped outer channels <b>51</b> and a T-shaped center channel <b>53</b>. The top frame member <b>45</b> is oriented such that the channels <b>51</b>, <b>53</b> are downwardly disposed, while the bottom frame member is oriented such that the channels <b>51</b>, <b>53</b> are upwardly disposed. The screen member <b>18</b> is supported in part by a leg <b>52</b> extending downwardly from the lower edge <b>48</b> and located proximate the distal side edge <b>50</b>. In assembly, the upper edge <b>46</b> and the lower edge <b>48</b> of the screen member <b>18</b> are telescopingly received within the upper channel <b>42</b> and the lower channel <b>44</b> of the first panel member <b>26</b>, respectively, such that the screen member <b>18</b> can be laterally shifted from within the first panel member <b>26</b> in a direction as indicated and represented by a direction arrow <b>49</b>, so as to subdivide the space <b>12</b> of the room. Preferably, the screen member <b>18</b> will be positioned with respect to the first panel member <b>26</b> by skilled personnel familiar with such furniture systems, and that the screen member <b>18</b> will not be freely shiftable within the first panel member <b>26</b> by a casual operator. It should be noted that while the second side <b>22</b> of the screen member <b>18</b> is accessible when the screen member <b>18</b> is recessed within the first panel member <b>26</b>, it is envisioned that the first panel member <b>26</b> may be configured such that the first screen member <b>18</b> is completely received within the first panel member <b>26</b> such that a portion of the second side <b>22</b> received within the first panel member <b>26</b> is not accessible.

The accessory units <b>24</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) of screen member <b>18</b> include utilitarian items such as a marker board <b>54</b>, a segmented paper organizer or “ladder” <b>56</b>, a hook <b>58</b> suitable to hangingly receive garments such as a coat thereon, and other accessory units compatible for use within an office environment. Alternatively, a plurality of slidable dividers <b>77</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>) may replace the accessory units <b>24</b>. Specifically, the dividers <b>77</b> include a pair of opaque, mesh-screen dividers <b>79</b> slidably received within the outer channels <b>51</b> of the top and bottom frame members <b>45</b>, <b>47</b>, and a translucent divider <b>81</b> slidably received within the center channel <b>53</b>. Alternatively, an extruded slider support <b>400</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref>) is inserted into each of the channels <b>51</b>, <b>53</b>. Each slider support <b>400</b> is C-shaped and includes a pair of outwardly-extending support legs <b>402</b> for supporting the support <b>400</b> within the associated channel <b>51</b>, <b>53</b>, and a pair of inwardly-extending support legs <b>404</b> that are adapted to support an upwardly-located loop <b>406</b> of a screen member <b>408</b>, and a roller assembly <b>410</b> for supporting a utility board <b>412</b>, such as a white-board, a tack-board, or the like.

The plurality of furniture systems <b>10</b> also include a second furniture system <b>98</b> that includes a partition member <b>100</b>, a worksurface <b>102</b> at least in part supported by the partition member <b>100</b>, and a cabinet member <b>104</b> including a plurality of slidably extendable drawers <b>106</b>, wherein the worksurface <b>102</b> is in part supported by the cabinet member <b>104</b>. A screen member <b>108</b>, similar to screen member <b>84</b>, is telescopingly adjustable from within the partition member <b>100</b> in a direction as indicated and represented by directional arrow <b>110</b>. The partition member <b>100</b> is supported by a distally-located support leg <b>112</b>, while the worksurface <b>102</b> is at least in part supported by a distally-located support leg <b>114</b>.

Alternatively, the second furniture system <b>98</b> is replaced by a third furniture system <b>120</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 7B</figref>) that includes a partition member <b>122</b>, a worksurface <b>124</b> at least in part supported by the partition member <b>122</b>, and a cabinet member <b>126</b>. The partition member <b>122</b> includes a top frame member <b>128</b>, a bottom frame member <b>130</b>, a pair of side frame members <b>132</b>, and corner members <b>133</b>. The top and bottom frame members <b>128</b>, <b>130</b> are preferably extruded to include outer and central channel members similar to those described above with respect to the top and bottom frame member <b>45</b>, <b>47</b> of the screen member <b>18</b>, and that are configured to slidably support translucent panels <b>135</b> and an opaque panel <b>137</b> therein, as further detailed below.

The partition member <b>122</b> further includes a sill assembly <b>134</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>) that includes an extruded central frame member <b>136</b> extending between and fixedly coupled to the side frame members <b>132</b> and having a pair of T-shaped channels <b>138</b> extending longitudinally along the side thereof, an upwardly-disposed T-shaped top channel <b>140</b> extending longitudinally along a top thereof, and a downwardly-disposed, T-shaped bottom channel <b>141</b> extending longitudinally along a bottom thereof. The sill assembly <b>134</b> further includes a pair of sill shelf assemblies <b>142</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref>) supported in a cantilevered manner from the central frame member <b>136</b>. Specifically, each sill shelf <b>142</b> is preferably extruded and includes a top surface <b>144</b>, a plurality of hollow interior compartments <b>146</b>, a longitudinally-extending and upwardly-opening channel <b>148</b>, a rearwardly-located and downwardly-extending hook member <b>150</b>, and a downwardly-extending abutment flange <b>152</b>.

In assembly, each sill shelf <b>142</b> is supported from the partition member <b>122</b> by inserting the hook member <b>150</b> of the associated sill shelf <b>142</b> into the top channel <b>140</b> of the central frame member <b>136</b> and allowing the sill shelf <b>142</b> to rotate downwardly in a direction as indicated by directional arrow <b>153</b> until the abutment surface <b>152</b> of the sill shelf <b>142</b> abuts a side surface <b>154</b> of the central frame member <b>136</b>. An adhesive <b>156</b>, such as a double-sided adhesive tape, is placed between points of contact between the associated sill shelf <b>142</b> and the central member <b>136</b>. The sill shelf assembly <b>146</b> also includes end caps <b>158</b> that cover the exposed end of the compartments <b>146</b>, and which are held in place by one-way push-in fasteners such as buttons <b>160</b>.

The worksurface <b>124</b> includes a top surface <b>161</b> and a bottom surface <b>162</b>. The worksurface <b>124</b> is supported by a pair of hanger assemblies <b>164</b>, a leg assembly <b>166</b> and leg assembly <b>180</b>. Each leg assembly <b>166</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>) engages one of the side channels <b>138</b> and the bottom channel <b>141</b> of the central frame member <b>136</b>. The construction and manner of engagement of the hanger assemblies <b>164</b> are fully described and disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/087,324, entitled P<smallcaps>OST </smallcaps>A<smallcaps>ND </smallcaps>B<smallcaps>EAM </smallcaps>F<smallcaps>URNITURE </smallcaps>S<smallcaps>YSTEM</smallcaps>, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. It should be noted that the hanger assemblies <b>164</b> allow adjustment of the relative height of the worksurface <b>124</b> with respect to the partition member <b>122</b>. The leg assembly <b>166</b> is telescopingly adjustable and extends from the floor <b>135</b> and is fixedly attached to the bottom surface <b>162</b> of the worksurface <b>124</b>. The leg assembly <b>166</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>) includes an outer portion <b>168</b> having a circular cross-sectional configuration, an inverted T-shaped relief <b>170</b>, and a threadably actuated clamp <b>172</b> spanning the relief <b>170</b>. The leg assembly <b>166</b> further includes an inner portion <b>174</b> having a circular cross-sectional configuration with a diameter slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the outer portion <b>168</b>, and telescopingly received within the outer portion <b>168</b>. The leg assembly <b>166</b> further includes a support plate <b>176</b> fixedly connected to a distal end of the inner portion <b>174</b> and fixedly connected to the bottom surface <b>162</b> of the worksurface <b>124</b> by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws <b>178</b>. The relative height of the worksurface <b>124</b> above the floor surface <b>35</b> may be adjusted by loosening the clamping mechanism <b>172</b>, thereby allowing the relief <b>170</b> of the outer portion <b>168</b> to expand and the inner portion <b>174</b> to telescope within the outer portion <b>168</b>. The height of the worksurface <b>124</b> above the floor surface <b>35</b> is then secured by tightening the clamping assembly <b>172</b>, such that the relief <b>170</b> is contracted and the inner portion <b>174</b> is tightly secured within the outer portion <b>168</b>.

The leg assembly <b>180</b> is fixedly attached to the bottom surface <b>162</b> of the worksurface <b>124</b> and extends downwardly to and is supported by a worksurface <b>184</b> of the cabinet member <b>126</b>. Specifically, the leg assembly <b>180</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) includes an upper portion <b>186</b> having a circular cross-sectional configuration and an internal thread <b>188</b>, a support plate <b>190</b> fixedly secured to an end of the upper portion <b>186</b> and fixedly attached to the bottom surface <b>162</b> of the worksurface <b>124</b> by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws <b>190</b>, and a lower portion <b>192</b> having a circular cross-sectional configuration and an external thread <b>194</b> that threadably mates with the internal thread <b>188</b> of the upper portion <b>186</b>, thereby allowing the overall length of the leg assembly <b>180</b> to be threadably adjusted. The leg assembly <b>180</b> further includes a guide pad <b>196</b> fixedly secured to a distal end of the lower portion <b>192</b>. The guide pad <b>196</b> is preferably constructed of a felt material, or other material suitable for such applications. In operation, the guide pad <b>196</b> abuts and protects a top surface <b>198</b> of the worksurface <b>184</b> when the relative location of the worksurface <b>124</b> and the worksurface <b>184</b> are changed with respect to one another.

An armoire-type workstation <b>60</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>) includes a cabinet member <b>62</b> having a top wall <b>59</b>, a bottom wall <b>61</b>, a pair of side walls <b>63</b>, and a planar rear wall <b>64</b>. The rear wall <b>64</b> includes an upper channel <b>65</b> and a lower channel <b>67</b> that telescopingly receive an upper edge <b>69</b> and a lower edge <b>71</b> of a screen member <b>73</b> therein, such that the screen member <b>73</b> is laterally shiftable within the cabinet member <b>62</b> in a direction as indicated and represented by directional arrow <b>66</b> in similar manner as described above. The screen member <b>73</b> is at least in part supported by a distally-located leg <b>75</b> when the screen member <b>73</b> is extended from within the cabinet member <b>62</b>. The workstation <b>60</b> includes a laterally-shiftable worksurface <b>70</b> located therein and which is moveable in a direction as indicated and represented by directional arrow <b>72</b>. The work station <b>60</b> is utilized and cooperates within the plurality of furniture systems <b>10</b> to subdivide the space <b>12</b> within the room.

Another second furniture system <b>74</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>) includes a base member <b>76</b> supportable on the floor surface <b>35</b>, a pedestal extending upwardly from and supported by the base member <b>76</b>, and a worksurface <b>80</b> supported by the pedestal <b>78</b>. The furniture system <b>74</b> also includes a partition member <b>82</b> extending upwardly from and supported by the base member <b>76</b>. As illustrated, the pedestal <b>78</b> and the worksurface <b>80</b> are preferably spaced apart from the partition member <b>82</b>. The partition member <b>82</b> includes a vertically-shiftable screen member <b>84</b> that is extendable from an upper edge <b>86</b> of the partition member <b>82</b>. In the illustrated example, the screen member <b>84</b> is telescopingly received within the partition member <b>82</b> and is telescopingly slidable between a retracted position <b>88</b>, and an extended position <b>90</b> in a direction as indicated and represented by directional arrow <b>92</b>. Preferably, the screen member <b>84</b> is constructed of a translucent material, however, other materials may be utilized.

The worksurface <b>80</b> is also preferably vertically adjustable in the direction <b>92</b> between a lowered position <b>94</b> and a raised position <b>96</b>. As illustrated, both the partition member <b>82</b> and the screen member <b>84</b> are arcuately shaped to match the arcuate shape of the worksurface <b>80</b>, however, other configurations may be utilized. It should be noted that both the screen members <b>84</b> and the worksurface <b>80</b> may be provided in numerous geometrical configurations and complementary layouts.

The overhead storage unit <b>38</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>) includes a housing <b>200</b> having a top wall <b>202</b>, a bottom wall <b>204</b>, a pair of side walls <b>206</b>, and a rear wall <b>208</b> that cooperate to define an opening <b>210</b> that allows access to an interior of the housing <b>200</b>. Each side wall <b>206</b> includes an inverted U-shaped track <b>212</b> extending inwardly into an inner surface <b>214</b> of the sidewall <b>206</b>. A roll-away style door <b>216</b> is slidably received within the track <b>212</b> of each side wall <b>206</b>, and is operable between a closed position, wherein the opening <b>210</b> is covered by the door <b>216</b>, and an open position wherein the interior of the housing <b>200</b> is accessible. The overhead storage bin <b>38</b> also includes a plurality of shelves <b>218</b> spaced along the vertical length of the housing <b>200</b>. The shelves <b>218</b> are supported by the side walls <b>206</b> and are configured so as to provide a gap <b>220</b> between a rear edge <b>222</b> of each shelf <b>218</b> and the rear wall <b>208</b> of the housing <b>200</b>, thereby allowing space for the door <b>16</b> to be positioned when the door <b>216</b> is in the open position. The storage bin <b>38</b> further includes a plurality of shelving units <b>224</b> extending rearwardly from the rear wall <b>208</b> of the housing <b>200</b> and each including a side wall <b>226</b>, a rear wall <b>228</b> and a bottom wall <b>230</b>. The storage unit <b>38</b> is supported above the floor surface <b>35</b> by the partition assembly <b>16</b>. The configuration and orientation of the storage unit <b>38</b> reduces the amount of floor space typically required for overhead storage bins, while simultaneously maximizing the storage space available both in and around the unit <b>38</b>.

A connector assembly <b>232</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>) is utilized to couple multiple panel members <b>26</b> together, as is illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. Specifically, the connector assembly <b>232</b> engages side frame members <b>234</b> of each panel member <b>26</b>. More specifically, the side frame member <b>234</b> of each panel member <b>26</b> includes a pair of inwardly-extending slots or channels <b>236</b> extending along the length of the associated side frame member <b>234</b>. Each channel <b>236</b> extends outwardly at a relative 45° angle with respect to an outer surface <b>238</b> of the side frame member <b>234</b>. The connector assembly <b>232</b> includes a pair of engagement members <b>242</b> each having a pair of legs <b>243</b>, a substantially planar inner wall <b>244</b> located at and integrally connected to a proximal end of the legs <b>243</b>, a flexibly U-shaped web portion <b>246</b> located along a length of and integrally connected to the legs <b>243</b>, and a pair of tab or engagement portions <b>248</b> located at a distal end of the legs <b>243</b>. A plurality of threaded apertures <b>250</b> extend through the inner wall <b>244</b> and are spaced along the length of one of the engagement members <b>240</b>. A plurality of access apertures <b>252</b> extend through the web portion <b>246</b> and are coaligned with the apertures <b>250</b>. A plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws <b>254</b> are threadably received within the aperture <b>250</b> of the inner wall <b>244</b>.

In assembly, the engagement members <b>240</b> are positioned so that the tab or engagement portions <b>248</b> of the engagement members <b>240</b> are located within the channels <b>236</b> of the side frame members <b>234</b> of a pair of adjacent panel members <b>26</b>. The plurality of screws <b>254</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>) are then accessed through the apertures <b>252</b> and are threaded into the associated apertures <b>250</b> such that each screw <b>254</b> abuts the inner wall <b>244</b> of the remaining engagement member <b>240</b>, thereby forcing the engagement members <b>240</b> away from one another in a direction as indicated by directional arrow <b>255</b>, the web portion <b>246</b> of each engagement member <b>240</b> to flex, and the tab or engagement portions <b>248</b> of each engagement member <b>240</b> to frictionally engage the channels <b>236</b> of the side frame members <b>234</b> and coupling the panel members <b>26</b> to one another. It should be noted that the connector assembly <b>232</b> allows vertical misalignment of panel members <b>26</b> with respect to one another when coupled together, thereby alleviating the necessity of exact alignment between the panel members <b>26</b> due to an uneven supporting surface, and the like.

The partition assembly <b>16</b> and the furniture system <b>120</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>) further include an adjustable power assembly (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>). The power assembly <b>260</b> includes a plurality of power modules <b>262</b> slidably coupled with a plurality of track members <b>264</b>, that are in turn fixed to the floor <b>35</b> via a plurality of floor plates <b>266</b>. While the floor plates <b>266</b> may be permanently affixed to the floor <b>35</b>, the floor plates <b>266</b> may also be removably coupled with the floor by adhesives, carpet hooks, and the like. The power modules <b>262</b> are connected in series with one another via a bendable wire harness <b>268</b>. In assembly, a connector post <b>270</b> having a hollow interior <b>272</b> and extending upwardly from an associated floor plate <b>266</b> are spaced between the partition assembly <b>16</b> and a furniture system <b>120</b>. Alternatively, the connector post <b>270</b> may be included within the construction of the partition assembly <b>16</b> and/or the furniture system <b>120</b>, similarly to side frame member <b>234</b>. In assembly, the wire harness <b>268</b> is received within the interior <b>272</b> of a connector post <b>270</b>, and extends between and provides electrical communication between the power modules <b>262</b>. At least one power module <b>262</b> within the assembly is connected to a power supply, such as a floor infeed <b>274</b>, or a ceiling infeed (not shown). At least one power module <b>262</b> is in turn coupled with a power utility box <b>276</b> mounted to an underside of a sill assembly <b>134</b> and accessible to a user.

In operation, the power assembly <b>260</b> allows the screen member <b>18</b> to be horizontally shifted with respect to the panel member <b>16</b> while maintaining the power supply to the power modules <b>260</b> and the end utility box <b>276</b>. Specifically, as the distance the screen member <b>18</b> is withdrawn from the panel member <b>16</b>, the power modules <b>262</b> are allowed to slidably move with respect to the track member <b>264</b> and the floor plates <b>266</b>. As the distance between the power modules <b>262</b> increases, the extra length of wire within each wire harness <b>268</b> is drawn from within the interior <b>272</b> of the associated post <b>270</b>, thereby keeping the power modules <b>262</b> in electrical communication with one another.

The plurality of furniture systems <b>10</b>, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, further includes a furniture system <b>300</b> having a partition panel member <b>302</b>, a pocket screen <b>304</b> slidably received within the panel member <b>302</b>, and a desk assembly operably coupled to the partition panel <b>302</b>. The panel member includes an outer frame assembly <b>306</b>, including a top frame member <b>308</b>, a bottom frame member <b>310</b>, and a pair of side frame members <b>312</b>. The frame assembly <b>306</b> is covered by a pair of planar outer skins <b>314</b> that cooperate with the frame assembly <b>306</b> to define an enclosed interior <b>316</b>. At least one of the side frame members <b>312</b> includes a slot defined aperture <b>318</b> that slidably receives the pocket screen <b>304</b> within the interior <b>316</b> in a direction of movement as represented by directional arrow <b>320</b>. The pocket screen <b>304</b> includes an outer frame assembly <b>322</b> having an upper frame member <b>324</b>, a lower frame member <b>326</b>, and a pair of side frame members <b>328</b>. The frame assembly <b>322</b> is covered by an outer skin <b>330</b> that is preferably opaque. The pocket screen <b>304</b> is slidably supported by a lower roller or wheel <b>332</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>) pivotably coupled to the lower frame member <b>326</b> by a pivot pin <b>334</b>, and that guides along a V-shaped lower guide rail <b>336</b> that extends along with the lower frame member <b>310</b> of the panel member <b>302</b>. The pocket screen <b>304</b> is further supported by a wheel or castor <b>338</b> that guides along the floor surface <b>35</b>, and is operably coupled to the lower frame member <b>326</b> of the pocket screen <b>304</b> by a downwardly-extending leg <b>340</b>. The top of the pocket screen <b>304</b> is slidably or rollably guided by a pair of upper rollers or wheels <b>342</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>) pivotably coupled to the upper frame member <b>324</b> by a pivot pin <b>344</b>, and that guide along a V-shaped upper guide rail <b>346</b> that extends along with the upper frame member <b>308</b> of the panel member <b>302</b>.

In operation, the pocket screen <b>304</b> is slidably operated by grasping a handle relief <b>348</b> within the pocket screen <b>304</b>, and sliding the pocket screen <b>304</b> in a selective direction <b>320</b>. The cooperation of the lower roller <b>332</b> and the upper rollers <b>342</b> with the V-shaped lower and upper guide rails <b>336</b>, <b>346</b> serve to center the pocket screen <b>304</b> with respect to the partition panel member <b>302</b> and the aperture <b>318</b>, thereby eliminating the necessity of other centering devices.

As is best illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the plurality of furniture systems <b>10</b> cooperate to organize an subdivide or bifurcate the space <b>12</b> within a room. The present inventive furniture systems provide an uncomplicated design, can be easily and quickly assembled to subdivide an open space of a room, and are therefore efficient in use, provide a low-cost alternative to furniture systems that include an arrangement of complicated and difficult to assemble partition panels, allow for simplified ordering, assembly and managing of furniture assets and are particularly well adapted for the proposed use.

In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.